Partnership sales

Magazine media paid promotional programs

A partnership sale is when a subscription or single copy of a magazine is purchased with another product or service. The consumer must be informed of the magazine’s inclusion, its value, and that the value is deductible (or refundable) from the package price if the magazine is declined.

• Overview of main partnership sales requirements
• Detailed requirements by partnership type:
  • Retail
  • Phone
  • Catalog/Direct Mail
  • Internet

Overview of Main Partnership Sales Requirements

Sales transaction

• The good or service must be positioned as the primary purchase. If the magazine is the primary purchase, then premium rules apply.
• The good or service must be homogeneous with the editorial content of the publication.
• Prior to the completion of the sales transaction, the consumer must be informed that the magazine is included with their purchase of the good or service. 

Notification to the consumer of the magazine’s inclusion at the time of purchase

• Must include the title of the magazine or allow the consumer to select from a variety of magazines, as well as the stated value of the magazine(s).
• Must be clear and conspicuous.
• Cannot imply the magazine is at no additional cost or free. 

Notification of refund to consumer at the time of purchase

• Consumer must be able to decline the magazine at the time of purchase and receive a refund for the stated value of the magazine. 

Refund process

• Must be a simple, one-step process for the consumer.
• The consumer must be offered at least one method of obtaining the refund that is similar to the method used for the sale (i.e., phone, internet, direct mail).
• The refund request may have an expiration date of no less than 30 days following the consumer’s receipt of complete instructions.

Detailed Requirements by Partnership Type

Retail Partnership Sales

Sales transaction:

• The good or service must be the primary purchase by the consumer. If the magazine is the primary purchase, then premium rules apply.
• The good or service must be homogeneous with the editorial content of the publication.
• Prior to the completion of the sales transaction, the consumer must be informed that the magazine is included with their purchase of the good or service.
• Only one magazine (single issue or subscription) may be included with a partnership sale that is not conducted through an online or catalog activity. Providing the consumer a choice of magazine is acceptable.

Notification to the consumer of the magazine’s inclusion at the time of purchase

• There must be a point-of-purchase notice to the consumer that a magazine subscription is included in the purchase of the product or service.
• The notification should be clear and conspicuous and include the magazine title, subscription term and value.
• The notification cannot imply the magazine is at no additional cost or free.
• If the retailer collects the subscriber’s address for automatic start of the subscription, a separate notice must be provided to the consumer at the point of sale or mailed afterward. This notice should contain the following:
  • Reminder that the magazine was included with the purchase.
  • Include magazine title, subscription term and value.
  • Clear instructions on how to decline the magazine and obtain a refund.
• If the retailer does not collect the subscriber’s address, a notice must be delivered with the product or service purchased (or sent separately within 10 days of order fulfillment). This notice must include the following:
  • Reminder that the magazine was included with the purchase.
  • Magazine title, subscription term and value.
  • A form for the consumer to complete and submit to start the subscription.
  • Clear instructions on how to decline the magazine and obtain a refund.

Notification of refund to consumer at the time of purchase

• Consumer must be able to decline the magazine at the time of purchase and receive a refund for the stated value of the magazine.
• The refund notification must be clear, conspicuous, and in same prominence as the notice of the magazine inclusion (i.e., “refund,” “rebate,” or “money back” in the amount of $X.XX may be obtained if the magazine is declined). Terms such as “allowance" or similar language is not acceptable.
• The refund notification should include the following:
  • Magazine title, subscription term and value.
  • Statement that the consumer can decline the magazine and be refunded the full value of the magazine subscription.
  • Clear instructions on how to obtain the refund.

• Consumer receipt of the refund notification options (At least one option should be implemented.):
  • Received detailed instructions about the refund process at the point of sale.
  • Informed that the refund instructions will be delivered with the product.
  • Informed that the instructions will be available when they pick up the product.
  • Informed that the instructions will be mailed to them in a separate mailing. Mailed refund instructions should be sent within 10 working days of the order fulfillment.

Refund process

• Must be a simple, one-step process.
• The consumer must be offered at least one method of obtaining the refund that is similar to the method used for the sale (i.e., phone, internet, direct mail).
• If a single issue of a magazine is offered, the consumer must be able to decline the magazine and its stated value must be deducted from the purchase price at the point of sale. The single copy included with the purchase must be the issue of the magazine currently on newsstands.
• Below are types of retail refund options for inclusion of a magazine subscription (Use at least one option.):
  • Refund at Time of Purchase: If the consumer declines the magazine subscription at the time of purchase, the retailer immediately deducts the full value of the magazine subscription from the product or service.
  • Refund via Toll Free Number: Refund instructions must specify all the information the consumer needs during the telephone call.
  • Refund via Mail: A form with specific instructions about required documentation (i.e., print copy of order confirmation or receipt). A self-addressed stamped envelope cannot be required.
  • Refund via Website: A URL linking the consumer to the online refund form.

• Refund requests may have an expiration date of no less than 30 days following the consumer’s receipt of complete instructions.
• If the consumer executes the refund process as instructed prior to the expiration date, then the full stated value of the magazine is the amount refunded.

Examples:

Point of Purchase Notification (Sign in store)

Included with your purchase of $20.00 or more for SUN Sunglasses is a one-year subscription to Summer magazine (valued at $10.00).* * You may decline the subscription to Summer magazine and obtain a refund for its value. Please see a sales associate for details.

How this example qualifies:

• The sunglasses are the primary purchase.
• Consumer is notified of the magazine prior to the completion of the sales transaction.
• The point-of-purchase materials position the magazine as included in the purchase price of the product.
• Clearly states the magazine title, subscription term and value (Magazine is more than one cent).
• Notification that the subscription may be declined and refunded.
• Magazine is not stated or implied as free, complimentary or synonymous language.

Retailer Follow Up Notice

Mailed to consumer or a card provided at retail location when the retailer collects consumer information to automatically start the subscription.

Included with your recent purchase of $20.00 or more for SUN Sunglasses is a one-year subscription to Summer magazine (valued at $10.00). We hope you enjoy your new sunglasses and Summer magazine. However, if you would like to decline the magazine subscription and receive a refund of $10.00, please call 1-800-SUMMERS and have this card available with your purchase code. Purchase Code: 123abcxz Sincerely, Summer magazine

How this example qualifies:

• Consumer is reminded that a magazine subscription is included with the purchase.
• Clearly states the magazine title, subscription term and value (Magazine is more than one cent).
• Indicates the subscription may be declined and refunded.
• Refund instructions include a toll-free number to call.
• Consumer is provided a purchase code (on card) for the refund. This may be requested as part of the refund process if it is information easily accessible to the consumer.
• In addition to the toll-free number, the consumer may be provided with a hard-copy refund form to complete and submit. If the consumer is referred to a URL, the hard-copy form or toll-free number must be presented as a second option since the sale of the product or service was not made online.

 

Phone Partnership Sales

Sales transaction (text of inbound or outbound phone script):

• The good or service must be the primary purchase. If the magazine is the primary purchase, then premium rules apply.
• The good or service must be homogeneous with the editorial content of the publication.
• Prior to the completion of the sales transaction, the consumer must be informed that the magazine is included with their purchase of the good or service.
• Only one magazine (single issue or subscription) may be included with a partnership sale that is not conducted through an online or catalog activity. Providing the consumer a choice of magazine is acceptable.

Notification to the consumer of the magazine’s inclusion at the time of purchase (Text of inbound or outbound phone script):

• The consumer is informed that a magazine subscription is included in the purchase of the product or service and may be declined and refunded.
• The consumer is clearly informed of the magazine title, subscription term and value.
• The customer service representative cannot imply the magazine is at no additional cost or free.
• If the customer service representative collects the subscriber’s address for the automatic start of the subscription, a separate notice is provided to the consumer at the point of sale or mailed to the consumer. This notice should contain the following:
  • Reminder that the magazine is included with the purchase.
  • Include magazine title, subscription term and value.
  • Clear instructions on how to decline the magazine and obtain a refund.
• If the customer service representative does not collect the subscriber’s address, a notice must be delivered with the product or service purchased (or sent separately within 10 days of order fulfillment). This notice must include the following:
  • Reminder that the magazine is included with the purchase.
  • Include magazine title, subscription term and value.
  • Include a form for the consumer to complete and submit to start the subscription.
  • Clear instructions on how to decline the magazine and obtain a refund.

Notification of refund to consumer at the time of purchase (Text of inbound or outbound phone script):

• Consumer must be able to decline the magazine at the time of purchase and receive a refund for the stated value.
• The customer service representative must inform the consumer of the following:
  • Magazine name, subscription term and value.
  • They can decline the magazine and receive a refund for the full value of the magazine subscription.
  • Clear instructions on how to obtain the refund.
• Consumer receipt of the refund notification options (The customer service representative must provide the consumer at least one of the refund options.):
  • Received detailed instructions about the refund process at the point of sale.
  • Informed that the refund instructions are delivered with the product.
  • Informed that the instructions are available when they pick up the product.
  • Informed that the instructions will be mailed to them in a separate mailing within 10 working days of order fulfillment.

Refund process:

• The refund process must be a simple, one-step process.
• The consumer must be offered at least one method of obtaining the refund that is similar to the method used for the sale (i.e., phone, internet, direct mail).
• If a single issue of a magazine is offered, the consumer can decline the magazine and its stated value is deducted from the purchase price at the point of sale. The single copy included with the purchase must be the issue of the magazine currently on newsstands.
• Below are types of retail refund options for inclusion of a magazine subscription (Use at least one option.):
  • Refund at Time of Purchase: If the consumer declines the magazine subscription at the time of purchase, the retailer immediately deducts the full value of the magazine subscription from the product or service.
  • Refund via Toll Free Number: Refund instructions specify all the information the consumer needs during the telephone call.
  • Refund via Mail: A form provides specific instructions on any needed documentation (i.e., print copy of order confirmation or receipt). A self-addressed stamped envelope cannot be required.
  • Refund via Website: A URL linking to the online refund form.
• Refund requests may have an expiration date of no less than 30 days following the consumer’s receipt of complete instructions.
• If the consumer executes the refund process as instructed prior to the expiration date, then the full stated value of the magazine is refunded.

Examples

Customer Service/Telemarketing Inbound or Outbound Script

A separate notice to the consumer when the customer service representative collects the consumer’s name and address to automatically begin the subscription.

Rep: Included with your $13.00 purchase of the book, Mastering the Craft of Writing, is a one-year subscription to Today’s Writer magazine valued at $10.00. I will forward your name and address to the publisher for the magazine subscription. Please allow 6-8 weeks for the subscription to begin. With the delivery of Mastering the Craft of Writing, you will receive information on how to obtain a refund if you prefer not to subscribe to Today’s Writer magazine. May I confirm your order? Consumer Response: Yes. Rep: Great! Do you have your credit card information ready?

How this example qualifies:

• The book, Mastering the Craft of Writing, is the primary purchase.
• Consumer is notified of the magazine prior to the completion of the sales transaction.
• The magazine is positioned as included in the purchase price of the product.
• The customer service rep clearly states the magazine title, subscription term and value (Magazine is more than one cent).
• The consumer is advised that the customer service rep will collect the consumer’s name and address for the automatic start of the subscription.
• The customer service rep informs the consumer that the subscription may be declined and refunded with separate refund instructions to follow.
• The magazine is not stated or implied as free, complimentary or synonymous language.

 

Customer Service/Telemarketing Follow-Up Refund Notice

Must be included with the delivery of the product if the customer service representative did not collect the consumer’s address to begin the magazine subscription.

Included with your $13.00 purchase of the book, Mastering the Craft of Writing, is a one-year subscription to Today’s Writer magazine valued at $10.00. Please complete this form and mail it to the address noted on the reverse side of this card to either begin or decline your magazine subscription. __ Yes, please send me my subscription to Today’s Writer magazine.  __ No, thanks. I decline the subscription offer.* Name_______________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________ City, State, ZIP _______________________________________ Product Purchased ____________________________________ *If you decline the magazine subscription, a refund for its full value of $10.00 will be promptly processed and sent to you via mail.

How this example qualifies:

• Consumer is reminded that the subscription is included with the book purchase
• Consumer is reminded of the magazine title, subscription term and value.
• Consumer is reminded that the subscription can be declined, a refund is available for the subscription value and how to obtain the refund.
• The consumer is provided a form to complete and submit to start the subscription as well as clear instructions for declining the magazine and receiving a refund.
• Instructions require the consumer to write the publisher (agent, fulfillment, etc.) to receive a refund. The consumer is provided the required form to complete and submit (The refund form cannot require a self-addressed envelope.). In this case, it’s the same form as the one to complete and submit to begin the subscription.  

 

Catalog/Direct Mail Partnership Sales

Sales transaction

• The good or service must be the primary purchase. If the magazine is the primary purchase, then premium rules apply.
• The good or service must be homogeneous with the editorial content of at least one of the publications offered.
• Prior to the completion of the sales transaction, the consumer must be informed that the magazine is included with their purchase of the good or service.
• When conducting a catalog program, up to three magazines may be included.
  • The consumer must be provided a tiered purchase of goods (i.e., $25.00 includes one magazine, $50.00 includes two magazines, $75.00 or more includes three magazines).
  • Providing a choice of magazines to select is acceptable.
  • A “default” magazine may be pre-populated only if that specific magazine is identified as the one included with the purchase. In this scenario, the additional magazines are positioned as alternatives at the conclusion of the sale.
  • If multiple magazines are included as part of a tiered purchase, the publisher or partner must provide the consumer with a single location for the refund.
  • The consumer may choose to receive one subscription while declining and receiving a rebate for the others.
  • One of the choices offered must be “No magazine requested” or “No, thanks” and note that a refund is available by declining the magazine.

Notification to the consumer of the magazine’s inclusion at the time of purchase

• Direct mail or catalog materials must include a reference that the magazine subscription(s) is included in the purchase of the product or service.
• The notification must be clear and conspicuous and include the magazine title, subscription term and value.
• The notification cannot imply the magazine is at no additional cost or free.
• If the direct mail purchase collects the subscriber’s address for automatic start of the subscription, a separate notice must be sent to the consumer. This notice must contain the following:
  • Reminder that the magazine is included with the purchase.
  • Include the magazine title, subscription term and value.
  • Clear instructions on how to decline the magazine and obtain a refund.
• If the direct mail purchase does not initiate an automatic start to the subscription, a notice is delivered with the product or service purchased (or sent separately within 10 days of order fulfillment). This notice must include the following:
  • Reminder that the magazine is included with the purchase.
  • Include the magazine title, subscription term and value.
  • Include a form for the consumer to complete and submit to start the subscription.
  • Clear instructions on how to decline the magazine and obtain a refund.

Notification of refund to consumer at the time of purchase

• Consumer must be able to decline the magazine at the time of purchase and receive a refund for the stated value of the magazine.
• The refund notification must be clear, conspicuous, and have the same prominence as the notice of the magazine’s inclusion (i.e., “refund,” “rebate,” or “money back” in the amount of $X.XX may be obtained if the magazine is declined.) Terms such as “allowance" or similar language are not acceptable.
• The refund notification should include the following:
  • Magazine name, subscription term and value included in the purchase of the product or service.
  • Statement that the consumer can decline the magazine and receive a full refund of the magazine subscription.
  • Clear instructions on how to obtain the refund.
• Consumer receipt of the refund notification options (Use at least one option.):
  • Direct mail or catalog specifies the refund instructions are delivered with the product.
  • Direct mail or catalog specifies the instructions are available when they pick up the product.
  • Direct mail or catalog specifies the instructions are mailed to them in a separate mailing within 10 working days of the order fulfillment.

Refund process

• The refund process must be a simple, one-step process.
• The consumer must be offered at least one method of refund similar to the method used for the sale (i.e., phone, internet, direct mail).
• If a single issue of a magazine is offered, the consumer must be able to decline the magazine and its stated value deducted from the purchase price at the point of sale. The single copy included with the purchase must be the issue of the magazine currently on newsstands.
• If a choice of magazines is offered and the stated values vary, the refund amount must reflect the highest stated value.
• If multiple magazines are included as part of a tiered purchase, the publisher or partner must provide the consumer with a single location for the refund.
• The consumer may choose to receive one subscription while declining and receiving a rebate for the others.
• Below are types of retail refund options for inclusion of a magazine subscription (Use at least one option.):
  • Refund at Time of Purchase: If the consumer declines the magazine subscription at the time of purchase, the direct mail or catalog must provide the consumer the choice to deduct the full value of the magazine subscription at the time of purchase.
  • Refund via Toll Free Number: Refund instructions must specify all the information the consumer needs during the telephone call.
  • Refund via Mail: A form with instructions detailing the needed documentation (i.e., print copy of order confirmation or receipt). A self-addressed stamped envelope cannot be required.
  • Refund via Website: A URL linking to the online refund form.
• Refund requests may have an expiration date of no less than 30 days following the consumer’s receipt of complete instructions.
• If the consumer executes the refund process as instructed prior to the expiration date, then the full stated value of the magazine is refunded.

Examples:

Catalog materials
(This example illustrates the process when a choice of magazine is offered)

How this example qualifies:

• The sportswear is the primary purchase.
• Consumer is notified of the magazine’s inclusion prior to the completion of the sale.
• The point-of-purchase materials position the magazine as included in the purchase price of the product.
• No specific magazine title is noted, as the consumer has a choice of magazines.
• Clearly states the subscription term and value (Magazine is more than one cent).
• Notification that the subscription may be declined and refunded.
• Magazine is not stated or implied as free, complimentary or synonymous language.

Catalog follow-up notice:
A card included in product packaging when the retailer does not collect consumer information to begin the subscription. Also reflects a choice of magazines offered.

Included in your purchase of $50 or more from Sportswear Catalog is a one-year magazine subscription of your choice ($10 value). To activate your subscription, select the magazine of your choice/ Then complete and return this form with your purchase receipt to: Magazine Promotion, 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345. __ Baseball Today __ Soccer Fans News __ Rugby News __ No, thank you*. Name ____________________________________ Address __________________________________ City, State, ZIP ____________________________ * If you decline the magazine subscription, please complete the above information and attach a copy of your receipt. A $10 refund will be promptly processed and sent to you by mail.

How this example qualifies:

• Consumer is reminded that a choice of magazine subscriptions is included with the purchase.
• Clearly states the magazine titles, subscription terms and values (Magazines are more than one cent each).
• The sportswear catalog products are homogeneous with the editorial content of at least one of the publications offered.
• Indicates that the subscription may be declined and refunded.
• Refund instructions include a toll-free number.

In addition to the toll-free number, the consumer may be provided hard-copy refund forms to complete and submit. If the consumer is referred to a URL, the hard-copy form or toll-free number must be the second option since the sale of the product or service was not made online.

 

Internet Partnership Sales

Sales transaction

• The good or service is the primary purchase. If the magazine is the primary purchase, then premium rules apply.
• The good or service is homogeneous with the editorial content of at least one of the publications offered.
• The initial web page where the product or service is first advertised for purchase includes a clear and conspicuous reference to the inclusion of the magazine subscription.
• The web page where the consumer selects a product or service for purchase clearly and conspicuously restates the inclusion of the magazine.
• When conducting an online program, up to three magazines may be included.
  • The consumer must be provided a tiered purchase of goods (i.e., $25.00 includes one magazine, $50.00 includes two magazines, $75.00 or more includes three magazines).
  • Providing a choice of magazines to select is acceptable.
  • A “default” magazine may be pre-populated only if it is identified as the one included with the purchase. In this scenario, the additional magazines are positioned as alternatives at the conclusion of the sale.
  • If multiple magazines are included as part of the tiered purchase, the publisher or partner must provide the consumer with a single location for the refund.
  • Consumer may choose to receive one subscription while declining and receiving a rebate for the others.
  • One of the choices offered must be “No magazine requested” or “No, thanks” and note that a refund is available by declining the magazine.

Notification to the consumer of the magazine’s inclusion at the time of purchase

• On the shopping cart page, the consumer is clearly and conspicuously informed of the following:
  • The magazine title, subscription term and value.
  • The notification cannot imply the magazine is at no additional cost or free.
  • The opportunity to decline the subscription, and that a refund for the subscription’s value may be obtained if the magazine is declined.
  • A link to a refund or instructions for obtaining a refund.
  • If multiple magazines are included as part of a tiered purchase, the publisher or partner must provide the consumer with a single location for the refund.
  • The consumer may choose to receive one subscription while declining and receiving a rebate for the others.

Notification of refund to consumer at the time of purchase

• Consumer must be able to decline the magazine at the time of purchase and receive a refund for its stated value.
• The refund notification must be clear, conspicuous, and have the same prominence as the notice of the magazine inclusion (i.e., “refund,” “rebate,” or “money back” in the amount of $X.XX may be obtained if the magazine is declined). Terms such as “allowance" or similar language is not acceptable.
• The refund notice must be presented on a main page during the sales process.
  • A link to “see refund details” is acceptable.
  • Notices placed behind a “see terms and conditions” or “see details” link are not sufficient.
  • The notice may not be positioned at the end of other messages or in smaller and less noticeable size than other communications.
• The refund notification should include the following:
  • Magazine name, subscription term and value.
  • Statement that the consumer can decline the magazine and be refunded the full value of the magazine subscription.
  • Include clear instructions on how to obtain the refund.

Refund process

• The refund process is a simple, one-step process.
• The consumer is offered at least one method of obtaining the refund similar to the sales method (i.e., online, phone, internet, direct mail).
• Online sales must provide the consumer with a URL that links to a printable or online refund form.
• If a choice of magazines is offered and the stated values vary, the refund amount must reflect the highest stated value.
• If multiple magazines are included as part of a tiered purchase, the publisher or partner must provide the consumer with a single location for the refund.
• The consumer may choose to receive one subscription while declining and receiving a rebate for the others.
• Below are types of retail refund options for inclusion of a magazine subscription (At least one option should be used.):
  • Refund at Time of Purchase: If the consumer declines the magazine subscription at the time of purchase, the direct mail or catalog should immediately provide the consumer the choice to deduct the full value of the magazine subscription from the product or service.
  • Refund via Toll Free number: Refund instructions must specify all the information needed during the telephone call.
  • Refund via Mail: A form with specific instructions on needed documentation (i.e., print copy of order confirmation or receipt). A self-addressed stamped envelope cannot be required.
  • Refund via Website: A URL linking to the online refund form.
• Refund requests may have an expiration date of no less than 30 days following the consumer’s receipt of complete instructions.
• If the consumer executes the refund process as instructed prior to the expiration date, then the full stated value of the magazine is the amount refunded.

 Example: 

How this example qualifies:

• Consumer is notified of the magazine’s inclusion, subscription term and value on the website’s welcome, order, and shopping cart pages.
• Magazine is not stated or implied as free, complimentary or synonymous language.
• On the shopping cart page, the consumer is given the opportunity to decline the magazine subscription and is informed a refund is available.
• The notice directing the consumer to the refund page is clearly stated using “Click here for refund information” or other similar language.
• Refund instructions require the consumer to write in for a refund and provide a refund form to complete and submit. A self-addressed stamped envelope cannot be required.
• Consumer is required to mail a copy of the order confirmation page and a hard-copy form. The consumer may be given the option to complete a form online or call a toll-free number.